UPSC: PIB Summary and Analysis Jan 14

Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival that is dedicated to express gratitude to the Sun God (Surya) is one such festival. Observed in the second week of January every year, people thank the nature for its abundant resources and good produce during the winter harvest festival.

The festival, celebrated in different parts of the country in diverse ways, denotes the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) as it travels on its celestial path.

The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names such as

Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs

Maghi in Punjab

Sukarat in central India

Magh Bihu by Assamese

Pongal by Tamilians

Uttarayan in Gujarat

Sakraat in Delhi and Haryana and many neighbouring states

Saaji in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, Makara Sankranti is known as Magha Saaji. It is the Pahari word for Sakranti, start of the new month.

Context

PM greets the people on the occasion of various festivals across India